Now Commenting On:

Blue Jays to host 2nd annual National Challenger Baseball Jamboree

Email

Print

Press Release |

The Toronto Blue Jays Baseball Academy will host the second annual National Challenger Baseball Jamboree on Saturday, June 7 at the conclusion of the Toronto Blue Jays vs. St. Louis Cardinals game at Rogers Centre.

Participants of the Jamboree will play a baseball game on the field while receiving instruction from Blue Jays Baseball Academy Instructors. Registration is limited, with all players receiving a Blue Jays T-shirt and cap. The Jamboree is open to registered Challenger Baseball players in Canada and all interested players (and families) must have a ticket to the baseball game in order to attend the postgame Jamboree. Registration is available at bluejays.com/challenger.

First introduced in 1988, Challenger Baseball allows children with cognitive or physical disabilities the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of playing baseball, in a setting that caters to their needs. The games are played in a safe, recreational environment, where no score is kept. Each participant is assigned a Buddy to act as a mentor. Buddies assist the Challenger players on the field when needed, however players are encouraged to bat and make plays themselves. Today there are more than 30,000 individuals participating in Challenger Baseball in Canada.

"Challenger Baseball provides kids with disabilities the opportunity to do something that able-bodied kids do. It's just a huge victory for families that never dreamt their child would be able to play baseball. I am really pleased the Blue Jays are partnering up with us and helping to spread the word."- Ian McLean, Challenger Baseball Coordinator.

"We are thrilled to be a Challenger Baseball partner. Our experience in year one with the Jamboree was exceptional for all involved and we anticipate this will be a fixture the Blue Jays schedule for many years to come. Stephen Brooks, Senior Vice-President, Business Operations

In addition, the Blue Jays Baseball Academy will partner with Challenger Baseball to host six additional Challenger Baseball clinics across Canada: